In this episode, I sit down with Sophie Vo, studio founder, podcast host, and now the creator of Orin Retreats, to unpack why she walked away from the startup rat race to build something intentionally small, sustainable, and soul-aligned.
We talk about the version of success that nearly broke her, why the VC model fails most founders, and how depth, not scale, became her new metric for impact. If you’ve ever questioned the path you’re on, this conversation might just reframe what “winning” really looks like.
00:00 Redefining Success
05:47 The VC Dilemma
12:48 Navigating Co-Founder Dynamics
18:32 Bootstrapping vs. Venture Capital: A Founder's Perspective
24:16 The AI Coaching Experience
29:52 Creating Human Connection in a Digital World
39:25 The Roots of Distrust Among Women
42:00 Navigating Female Networks and Support
46:45 The Importance of Self-Awareness in Leadership
52:11 The Role of Coaching in Personal Growth
56:37 Advice and Insights from the Journey